The \(E_t\)-construction for lattices, spheres and polytopes (Q1764167)

Given a combinatorial structure (a poset) \(L\) where the elements have a rank function, the \(E_t\) construction may be applied. This yields a partially ordered set whose elements are the empty set, the elements of \(L\) of rank \(t\), and the intervals \([x,z]\) in \(L\) that contain elements of rank \(t\). This article examines this construction for lattices, CW spheres, and polytopes, deriving various useful and interesting results, particularly regarding polytopes. In particular it is shown that \(E_1(P)\) is realised by the dual of the ``truncation'' of \(P\) (where \textit{truncation} here means in the sense the cuboctahedron, rather than the ``truncated cube'', is a truncation of the cube). This leads to numerous results about allowable face vectors of 2-simple, 2-simplicial 4-polytopes. Among other results, a question of \textit{D. Eppstein} et al. [Discrete geometry. In honor of W. Kuperberg's 60th birthday. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker. Pure Appl. Math., Marcel Dekker 253, 239--265 (2003; Zbl 1045.52006)] is answered as the authors demonstrate an infinite family of 2-simple, 2-simplicial 4-polytopes with rational vertices. Some results in higher ranks, and in hyperbolic space, are also given.